Tokyo Olympics: Courtney, Batten have mixed fortunes on altered MTB course

Kate Courtney (USA) races to 15th at the Tokyo Olympics
Kate Courtney (USA) races to 15th at the Tokyo Olympics (Image credit: Getty Images Sport)

After a week of practice on a hot, dry and dusty Tokyo Olympics cross-country mountain bike course, heavy rains from Typhoon Nepartak transformed the Izu track into a very different affair for the women's event. The changes might have benefitted gold medal winner Jolanda Neff, but had the opposite effect on former world champion Kate Courtney (USA).

The Californian and teammate Haley Batten were outside picks for the medals but ended the day in 15th and ninth, respectively.

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Laura Weislo
Managing Editor

Laura Weislo has been with Cyclingnews since 2006 after making a switch from a career in science. As Managing Editor, she coordinates coverage for North American events and global news. As former elite-level road racer who dabbled in cyclo-cross and track, Laura has a passion for all three disciplines. When not working she likes to go camping and explore lesser traveled roads, paths and gravel tracks. Laura's specialises in covering doping, anti-doping, UCI governance and performing data analysis.